Billy Bob Thornton Drives 'Jayne Mansfield's Car'

Billy Bob Thornton, who hasn't directed a dramatic feature since 2001's 'Daddy and Them' and whose acting career has been spotty since his tour de force in 'Bad Santa,' still has plenty of Hollywood clout. According to Deadline, the multi-hyphenate has gathered together Robert Duvall, John Hurt, Kevin Bacon, Robert Patrick and Ray Stevenson to star along with him in 'Jayne Mansfield's Car,' which he will also direct.

The film, which Thornton co-wrote with frequent collaborator Tom Epperson, is described as a comedy with dramatic overtones that takes place in 1969 and revolves around the culture clash of two families from different continents.

Thornton's last outing was as the bad cop in last year's 'Faster,' and he is working on 'The Baytown Disco' and the animated 'Puss in Boots' 'Shrek' spin-off (as the voice of Jack, as in Jack and Jill). He has also been concentrating on his music and performing with The Boxmasters; he also recently directed a documentary on Willie Nelson ('The King of Luck').